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YSO--Yakima County Sheriff Check YVN Archives for past Yakima Sheriff's stories
- Parker Dam body identified
- PARKER (3-23-99)---Deputies have identified the body of a white male found at Parker Dam as Shane D. Stewart, 30, of Parker.
- He was identified by papers found on his body. His ID was verified by relatives, officers said.
- Stewart apparently had been in the water since sometime in November or December, deputies said. Further interviews with the family might narrow possible date of drowning.
- No obvious signs of foul play were found and no indication that anything other than drowning occurred. The man apparently died by fresh water drowning, deputies said. Forensic tests, however, are still being conducted.
- Family members have been notified, according to Det. G. Kouba.
- Body found near Parker Dam
- PARKER (3-21-99)---After fisherman spotted a corpse in waters downstream from Parker Dam, county personnel recovered it, YSO said today.
- Agencies involved included YSO, the Lower Valley Fire Dept., plus the Search & Rescue dive team. The body was taken to the county coroner.
- Officers said the body was "obviously deceased", but it won't be known until later how long it was in the water.
- "The identity of the subject or cause of death is unknown at this time," Sgt. George Town said at 4:38 p.m. today. No information about the body's sex, age or ethnic group was released.
- The investigation is continuing. Those who have information concerning the deceased should call YSO Lt. Dan Garcia at (509) 574-2550.
- Women: can you handle a pistol yet?
- Sex predator now in Toppenish
- TOPPENISH (3-15-99)---YSO says Manuel Escobedo, 40, lives in the 300 block of Division Ave., is an over-6-foot-tall, 270-pound sexual predator, and is soon likely to attack a girl or woman here in the Valley.
- Yakima Valley News is awaiting a mug shot from YSO. If we get it, we'll hoist it onto the 'net with this story. It's difficult to look out for someone if you don't know what he looks like.
- Those who would like to do something regarding serious defense against sexual predators should click on the blue "pistol" above. One's piece should be handy when one's deputy can't be.
- Escobedo has a history of rape, drug sales, and violence, according to YSO Detective Sherry Stiles. In Wyoming:
- July, 1978: Escobedo entered the home of a sleeping woman, threatening to shoot her if she screamed. The woman struggled; Escobedo bit and kicked her, and twice raped her.
- February, 1979: Escobedo entered the home of a sleeping 16-year old girl, and "touched" her. She identified Escobedo.
- March, 1979: Under cover of darkness, Escobedo entered the home of the mother of a girl he had been dating. He knocked her to the floor and forcibly raped her
- July, 1979: Escobedo entered the home of a 57-year old woman in Washakie, Wyo, and forcibly raped her at 4 a.m.
- Escobedo was charged with three counts of first degree sexual assault and one count of indecent liberties. He plea-bargained his way to one charge of first degree sexual assault and was sentenced to prison for 10 to 15 years.
- Sometime in 1981: Escobedo was moved from a Wyoming prison to the Walla Walla Pen. That's because, while in Wyoming, he became a well known prison drug dealer. He owned a sharp weapon and drug paraphernalia, and assaulted other prisoners.
- March 1990: Escobedo was released from the Walla Walla Pen.
- April 1991: Escobedo entered the apartment of a female with whom he went to a party. He digitally raped her twice during this incident. He was sentenced to five years for attempted 2nd degree rape.
- Sometime in 1993: Escobedo was convicted for drug possession.
- Sometime in 1998: Escobedo was sprung and at some point moved to Toppenish.
- "Escobedo is a repeat predatory sex offender who is at high risk to reoffend. He has sexually assaulted late adolescent and adult females he didn't know," says YSO's Stiles.
- He usually works under cover of darkness. He reportedly beats and chokes his victims.
- "Escobedo presents himself as a reserved, quiet individual who doesn't want to draw attention to himself. Being large of stature he can be confrontational from time to time," Stiles said.
- Escobedo reportedly gets upset when he figures others are "encroaching" upon him. He is required to register with YSO and prison officials to make sure he stays out of trouble. Again, readers are invited to click on the blue pistol, above.
- Meeting set for March 16
- Sheriff to discuss Y2K measures
- TAMPICO (3-11-99)---If the Y2K bug bugs enough vital computers by dropping them back to the year 1900, a whole bunch of stuff could happen. Maybe.
- Old computer chips--embedded in many systems and forgotten--might not be able to tell 2000 from 1900. This could throw off computer clocks, destroy electronic data bases and the programmed equipment functions to which we've become accustomed.
- Possibilities are endless: the halting of the free flow of money via banks, of food production and distribution systems, non-working traffic lights and water and sewer facilities, and more. Or less.
- If all that happens, there may be depression-style bank runs, hunger riots, catastrophic food shortages, outbreak of horrendous traffic accidents, and people crapping in their yards. Possibly.
- And when people begin acting oddly, policemen and sheriff's deputies are soon on the scene. But what do they do?
- Yakima County Sheriff Doug Blair and Undersheriff Lane Roberts will conduct a community meeting at 7 p.m. March 16 at Tampico Community Church to discuss what the YSO will do if/when things go wacko in 2000.
- The meeting is co-sponsored by YSO Precinct 2, the Church, Dale Henson and the Tampico Property Owners Association. Those with questions may direct them to YSO Sgt. John Durand at (509) 574-2500.
YSO works with Special Olympics
- YAKIMA (3-11-99)---Chances are you've never gone into a restaurant where you've been served by sheriff's deputies and clerical personnel. Now's your chance.
- Deputies and clerks will work as waiters, waitresses, and table bussers from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Red Lobster, 905 N First St., Yakima, March 12 and 13. Tips you give them will go to support programs of Special Olympics Washington.
- Sheriff Doug Blair said YSO has for two years been a state leader in raising dollars for Special Olympics. The department has reached the Circle of Honor twice, finishing first in 1997 and second by a mere $140 in 1998.
Daylight burglaries up in County
- YAKIMA (3-11-99)---Daylight burglaries have spiked in the last 30 days according to YSO. Thugs enter homes while owners are at work or otherwise occupied.
- Sheriff Doug Blair said his department is asking for help from citizens in order to help curb this recent surge and reduce neighborhood crime.
- He suggests neighbors form a "block watch" program --in which you watch out for your neighbor's home and he does the same for you. This gives the YSO many more "eyes and ears" it can use to help the department do its job.
- "Simply by watching your neighborhood and reporting suspicious circumstances or people can be an enormous benefit," Blair said.
- Persons who hear or see something suspicious are urged to write down a description of the incident, and description of possible suspects. If an automobile is involved, try to get the license plate number. Then call the YSO at 574-2500.
- Residents are also urged to secure their homes' door and window locks, and prune shrubs that lend hiding space for crooks. They are asked to inventory property with the name brand, model and serial number. They should also mark their valuables with a permanent marker or engrave it with their driver's license numbers.
- The YSO Crime Stoppers Office offers rewards for info that leads to the apprehension of criminals. Those who have burglary info are urged to call that office at (509) 248-9980.